Skyriders has maintained its position as the leading rope access specialist in Southern Africa, after officially receiving ISO 9001 2008 quality management certification in March 2012 from the International Organisation for Standardisation, the world's largest developer and publisher of international standards.

Skyriders marketing manager Mike Zinn points out that the company’s reputation of being the premier provider of expert rope access aided inspection, non-destructive testing (NDT) and high-elevation maintenance solutions to numerous industries has been further boosted by the prestigious certification. “The ISO 9001 2008 quality management certification provides our customers with independent verification of our commitment to implementing the highest standards of business management and continual improvement,” he explains.

Zinn notes that the certification process, which involved a number of external audits, lasted approximately one year. “Skyriders had to identify its main business processes to provide a framework for service excellence. Existing policies and procedures were streamlined to support our focus on eliminating inefficiencies “

According to Zinn, the certification also encourages Skyriders employees to take ownership and responsibility for their key performance areas. “Part of the ISO 9001 2008 certification process involves a performance management system, which ensures that all company sections deliver optimum client service. Our projects are only considered closed when clients have completed a post-job evaluation, as client feedback helps us to constantly improve our business processes.”

Zinn highlights the fact that Skyriders will complement its ISO 9001 2008 certification by applying for the OHSAS 18001 certificate for occupational health and safety. This standard is compatible with the ISO 9001 quality management system. “The OHSAS 18001 standard will enable Skyriders to continually improve its occupational health and safety management system, and demonstrate its commitment to clients by minimising employee and client health and safety risks,” he adds. “The goal is to achieve this accreditation by the end of October 2012.”

Looking to the future, Zinn is confident that Skyriders, with its focus on international benchmarking, will increase its market share nationally and internationally. “As investment in industrial development increases, so too will the need for reliable alternative access services. Skyriders has placed itself as a frontrunner in providing innovative rope access solutions, backed by 24 years of industry experience and a zero-fatality record,” he concludes.

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Notes to the EditorThere are numerous photographs specific to this press release. Please visit http://media.ngage.co.za and click the Skyriders link.

About Skyriders Skyriders (Pty) Ltd, established in 1988, is a leader in the South African rope access industry, providing cost- and time-saving solutions to clients in the power generation and petrochemical industries who require rope access aided inspection, NDT and maintenance work to be done in difficult to reach, high-up locations.